Beowulf (Young Reading (Series 3)): 1 (Young Reading Series 3, 31) Hardcover – 26 Sept. 2009

Our daughter’s current history topic at school is the Anglo Saxons. As we’re both history fanatics I try to read and discuss additional material with her. I must admit that the early middle ages/dark ages have my interest in particular. So it seemed like a good timing to get her the DK Beowulf reading book. We use these DK Young Reader books for guided reading. They are perfect for that as the chapters are of good size for a single session and the content generally triggers a little debate. The storyline is generally well composed despite being concise. And most importantly; it makes sense, unlike many other books for early readers. And invariably this series is great for adults to brush up knowledge about a certain story or historic figure.As always the DK Young Reader books are very well presented, colourful and very well illustrated. The Beowulf book within this series might actually have the most spectacular and beautiful illustrations. It comes hard-bound with a red page finder string. The choice of books and topics in this series should also be applauded; it’s quite varied and diverse. So quite pleased again. If she likes the story we might see the somewhat brutal but beautifully animated movie from about a decade ago.HIGHLY recommended.

So you work hard teaching your 4 year old to read and fill his book case with the usual suspects. On a high shelf you put some more advanced books for when he is older. You long for the day he actually starts picking up books without being asked and reads on his own. Finally, aged almost 5 years old he starts reading books on his own. Time and time again he goes to his book case looking for books - well actually one book, up on a high shelf. Yes it is Beowulf! "Look at the monsters daddy, her head has been chopped off, that's funny!" Still if it makes him want to read books and it doesn't seem to give him nightmares. I must say it is a beautifully presented book but my wife is not very happy.

Great book in itself, usual easy-read story retold well- actual book not in quite as good a condition as expected to be.

Trying to find a book for my 7 year old son on the subject Beowulf that was age appropriate was difficult.Some books were much to young and there were others where the 'content' was a little too old for him. My son is a fairly accomplished reader and had no problem reading this book and we have since read it together on may occasions.What makes this book standout is not only the quality of the writing aimed at children but above all the high quality of the illustrations.It is superb.

My 8 year old loves this book.Lots of lovely pictures too.

I bought it for my five year old to read. I worried the language would be too tricky, but he did fine. I suspected the story would make the difference and it did. It was the first non-school book he read from start to finish. We read a chapter or sometimes just half a chapter a night.If you have a little boy who reads his school books dutifully but doesn't yet pick up a book to read voluntarily, try this. He got more and more into the story and wouldn't put it down when we got to chapter 7. When Beowulf died, he started to cry. His voice was cracking with the emotion but he wouldn't stop reading. He even said "I've got something in my eye, Daddy" which helped lighten the moment for me!.I cannot recommend too highly.

another great version of this story. I collect different versions for my primary school children. The illustrations are rich and engaging and the text of a high quality; good language choice yet accessible. Good price, good quality hardback book from Usborne. Highly recommended.

My eight year old took this off and read it to himself with no prompting or any other encouragement from me. He loved it. There are 63 pages of blood, gore, beasts, battles, vikings: in fact, all the things most eight year old boys are interested in. There are colour illustrations on every page which makes the book visually exciting too. Very pleased with this book.